Ban and Green Tax On Single-Use Plastic In The Offing

Amaravati: Cracking the whip on pollutants, Andhra Pradesh Government would be collecting green tax besides imposing ban on single use plastic.

Taking a serious view of growing pollution levels and its impact on the society, Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has disclosed the decisions here on Thursday during a review meeting with Forest and Environment Department.

Giving details on industrial pollution the Chief Minster said, ’about 1 lakh tonnes of waste is being generated from pharma companies. But only 30 percent of it is being refined. The remaining 70 percent is left in to the open polluting the environment.’

He directed the Forest and Environment Department officials to prepare a proposal within one month to promote protection of environment and prevention of pollution. “How can our future generation survive if we do not protect our environment and nature? Our state should be inspiring to the nation,’ he said. To go forward in this direction, he asked the officials to study and observe the various methods and steps taken by other countries in preserving environment and controlling pollution.

To keep a check on pollution by industrial houses, the state will collect green tax and has also decided to ban single use plastic which means that the state should get rid of single use plastic.

The central and state governments have identified a few hatchery zones in the state and in the country. As per the norms industries cannot be established in those specific zones. Despite setting up the pharma city in the state for pharma companies. “Even after the central and state governments announced the hatchery zones, I do not understand how permission has been given for pharma companies in the zone,” the Chief Minister said.

He took a serious view of the pollution levels in Visakhapatnam. “The pollution levels in Visakhapatnam are very high. They should be prevented immediately, if not there will be severe consequences.”

Like Mission Godavari, CM asked to plan a program for protection of environment. “I have discussed with French delegates about solid waste management. Every government and private hospital should have a waste management department,” he said.  In order to protect crop canals, CM directed to refine waste material from Aqua industries.

“Today, AP stands in first position in the country in exporting huge amount of sea products. The current pollution control board should be purified. At the same time industries should not be affected, he said.

The Chief Minister has shown keen interest in establishing a committee that contains people who are dedicated and has comprehensive knowledge on pollution control and environment protection.

The review meeting has also discussed among other issues, the ways and means to increase forest land, saving environment by prevention of pollution in the state.

Also Read: Issue Guidelines To Remove Confusion On Single-use Plastic: CAIT To Javadekar